Latest coronavirus update and instructions for clients in Siun sote area

This page contains the current information on the coronavirus situation in North Karelia and the related coronavirus instructions.

Coronavirus situation

The coronavirus epidemic in North Karelia is currently at the baseline. Different areas of Finland may be at different stages of the epidemic, and instructions vary.

You can follow the coronavirus situation in all of Finland and in the operating area of Siun sote on the application of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL): Coronamap.

• Weekly overview of the coronavirus situation in North Karelia
• Check the current situation in different regions on the website of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (thl.fi)

The locations in North Karelia where people may have been exposed to coronavirus are listed on the Finnish website of Siun sote: https://www.siunsote.fi/koronaviruksen-altistumispaikat
If you have been in any of these locations at the time indicated, keep track of your condition and take a coronavirus test if you develop any symptoms.

If you think you might have a coronavirus infection

If you suspect that you may have been infected with coronavirus, you should start by taking an Omaolo symptom assessment online at www.omaolo.fi.

You may also call your health station or the Medical Helpline 116117. Your situation will be assessed over the phone and you will get instructions. The service is open 24/7.

Always call first before you visit a health station or joint primary health care and specialised medical care services!

• Contact information for health stations.

Coronavirus testing

Health care professionals need to assess whether you should to be tested for coronavirus, and they will tell you all you need to know when coming to get tested.

• You cannot come and get tested for coronavirus unless you have made an appointment or been in contact with a healthcare provider.

It takes 1–2 days to receive your coronavirus test results, depending on the number of samples taken each day.

• You can see your test results on My Kanta Pages. The result can be seen as soon as the test is ready. If necessary, you will be notified by SMS or phone.
• If the result is positive, we always call and give instructions for further treatment.

Wait for your result at home and avoid close contact with other people.

Coronavirus tests are mostly offered free of charge.  

The test is subject to a fee in the following cases:

• if you are leaving for a trip and the airline or the border inspection in the destination country requires a certificate of a negative coronavirus test result.
• for persons from countries Finland does not have an agreement with (e.g. Russia) and who are not tourists. The countries Finland has an agreement with are the EU and EEA countries, Switzerland and Australia. See the list of countries Finland has an agreement with: https://tulli.fi/en/about-us/our-activities/eu-eea-efta-and-schengen-countries
• if you do not have the right to a municipality of residence in Finland and cannot present a certificate of your right to treatment. Read more about the right to treatment https://www.eu-healthcare.fi/for-health-care-professionals/patients-coming-from-abroad/

Coronavirus tests on arrival in the country

It is also recommended that all those returning to Finland apply for the coronavirus test immediately after arrival in Finland and again 72 hours after the first test, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not If you have a certificate of a negative test result that is less than 72 hours old when entering Finland, it is enough to simply take the second test 72 hours after your arrival.

Tests taken upon arrival into the country and 72 hours thereafter are free of charge for all.

• The sampling point at the Niirala border station is open on weekdays from 10.00 to 16.00 and on weekends from 10.00 to 18.00.

A 14-day period of self-isolation is recommended for those arriving in the country. This can be shortened by obtaining two negative coronavirus test results. Further information: Passenger instructions in different languages (THL)

Face masks recommended

The use of a face covering is recommended in workplaces, indoor public spaces and other situations when more than one person is working or spending time in the same space.

• Wearing a mask when using when in Siun sote service points as a client or patient is highly recommended if it is possible for the person to do so.
• More detailed information on the recommendation and instructions for using a face mask can be found on the website of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare: Recommendation on the use of face masks for citizens.

If you cannot afford a face mask, you can get it from a distribution point. More information on the distribution of face masks can be found on the Siun sote website (only in Finnish).

Other recommendations

Recommendations currently in force in North Karelia:

• Distance work recommendation.
• It is recommended to avoid travelling abroad and to areas of Finland that are in the acceleration or community transmission phase.

It is safe to use our services

We do our best to continue providing services as normally as possible while ensuring the safety of patients, customers and personnell.

• Do not cancel your appointment unless you have a reason to. It's safe to visit our locations.
• Your appointment may also be carried out by telephone or remotely.
• Call first. Many issues can be handled directly over the phone, or you can be directed to the right place.
• Call first if you are experiencing flu symptoms and have an appointment at a social services office, dental care, or child health clinic. Your appointment may be postponed or carried out remotely.

Instructions for visitors

We aim to prevent the spread of coronavirus at our locations. That is why we ask you to follow these practices for the time being:

• Call beforehand about coming to visit.
• Follow the instructions provided by the personnel regarding the meeting place and protective measures.
• Only come for the visit if you are healthy and not having any kind of symptoms.
• Have no more than one person accompany you to your appointment.

Protect yourself against infections and prevent their spread

We can all do our part to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Older people and those with a chronic illness are a particular risk group for the coronavirus.

Protect yourself and others:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing. Immediately put the used tissue in the rubbish bin.
• If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper arm, not into your hands.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Do not touch your face unless you have just washed your hands.
• Avoid close contact and keep a distance of 2 metres from other people.

Information about coronavirus

The national helpline 0295 535 535 and chat offer general information about coronavirus from 8:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and from 9:00 to 15:00 on Saturdays. The number does not provide health advice or guidance if you have acute symptoms requiring emergency care.

More information about coronavirus is available on the website of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

Counselling and support

Do not worry alone; talk to your loved ones. If you feel you need to talk to a professional, you may call the 24-hour social emergency services at +358 13 330 9002 or intensified psychiatric open care for adult psychiatry at +358 13 330 2132 (between 8:00 and 21:00 during weekdays, weekends and public holidays between 13:00 and 15:00).